Object: Sixpence Coin
Date: 20th c
Description: A 1958 sixpence in a Royal Mint box. This sixpence was given to Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Rothesay in 1958 so that she could give it back! The Queen was to be presented with a dirk for Prince Charles (Duke of Rothesay). In keeping with Scots tradition, something round should be handed over in return for something sharp, to avoid breaking a friendship. As the Queen does not carry money, she was given the sixpence first, which she duly returned when accepting the dirk.
Origin: Provost James McMillan was handed the sixpence. The Museum was given it by his son.